Conversion of Egypt
July 11, 2020
Commentary
Isaiah sees a day coming when Egypt will be converted to the knowledge and worship of the true God (vv. 16-17). In contrast to Isaiah’s day when Judah was thinking about turning to Egypt for help, a day will come when Egypt will recognize Judah as the dominant force in the world. “Judah shall be a terror unto Egypt” (v. 17) refers to the weakened condition of Egypt to the point that even little Judah frightens them.
These spiritual conversions will also bring about a political change. During this millennium, Israel, Egypt, and Assyria (modern Iraq) will cooperate and enjoy the blessings of God (v. 18). We expect the Bible to tell us of a Savior coming to deliver Israel but this passage speaks of a Savior coming to rescue Egypt (vv. 19-22). People will travel a highway (v. 23) from Egypt to Assyria and people who were enemies in Isaiah’s day will worship together. Our God is a global God, and He wants to bless all people. What a day it will be when there is peace in the Middle East because these nations have bowed before the King of Kings (vv. 24-25).
Application
We read that every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Right now I can bow in devotion or later I will bow in submission.
Isaiah 19:16– 25 (NET)
16 At that time the Egyptians will be like women. They will tremble and fear because the Lord of Heaven’s Armies brandishes his fist against them. 17 The land of Judah will humiliate Egypt. Everyone who hears about Judah will be afraid because of what the Lord of Heaven’s Armies is planning to do to them.
18 At that time five cities in the land of Egypt will speak the language of Canaan and swear allegiance to the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. One will be called the City of the Sun. 19 At that time there will be an altar for the Lord in the middle of the land of Egypt, as well as a sacred pillar dedicated to the Lord at its border. 20 It will become a visual reminder in the land of Egypt of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. When they cry out to the Lord because of oppressors, he will send them a deliverer and defender who will rescue them. 21 The Lord will reveal himself to the Egyptians, and they will acknowledge the Lord’s authority at that time. They will present sacrifices and offerings; they will make vows to the Lord and fulfill them. 22 The Lord will strike Egypt, striking and then healing them. They will turn to the Lord, and he will listen to their prayers and heal them.
23 At that time there will be a highway from Egypt to Assyria. The Assyrians will visit Egypt, and the Egyptians will visit Assyria. The Egyptians and Assyrians will worship together. 24 At that time Israel will be the third member of the group, along with Egypt and Assyria, and will be a recipient of blessing in the earth. 25 The Lord of Heaven’s Armies will pronounce a blessing over the earth, saying, “Blessed be my people, Egypt, and the work of my hands, Assyria, and my special possession, Israel!”
Illustration: John Harper’s Last Convert
John Harper became a Christian at age 13 and started preaching by age 17. In 1896 he founded a church, now known as Harper Memorial Church in Glasgow which grew to 500 members at the time he left 13 years later. In 1912 Harper, the newly called pastor of Moody Church in Chicago, was traveling on the Titanic with his 6 year old daughter. After the ship struck an iceberg and began to sink, he got Nana into a lifeboat but apparently made no effort to follow her. Later a survivor of the Titanic told how he was drifting alone on a piece of wreckage when Mr. Harper, also on a piece of wreckage said, “are you saved?” “No,” I said, “I am not.” He replied, “Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and thou shalt be saved.” and shortly after he went down; and there, alone in the night, and with two miles of water under me, I believed. I am John Harper’s last convert.” (Evangelist Gordon Curley – Sermon Central)